Chapter 33 A Man Is Most Obedient When He Remains Still

When the doctor was tending to Jiang Li's wounds, Xu An'an sat nearby. Some of the injuries looked so painful that even she winced, yet the man himself slept soundly, as if numb to it all.

Hearing the doctor’s words, a sudden sting welled in Xu An'an’s eyes.

“It seems the Second Master is truly exhausted. Not a single complaint, even with broken ribs.”

“If it were anyone else, they’d have fainted from the pain by now! Truly worthy of his reputation. But it’s the first time I’ve seen him in such a state—what on earth happened?”

The assistant glanced at Xu An'an, noting her reddened eyes and feeling a sense of relief. The Second Master’s efforts hadn’t been in vain.

“Ahem, a hero rescuing a damsel in distress.”

“I see!”

Xu An'an was both impressed and exasperated. She was not deaf, after all.

The assistant exchanged a look with the doctor. “Miss Xu, we’ll leave the Second Master in your care. He was injured for your sake, after all.”

“I need to go to the police station, so I’ll head out now.”

When the assistant and doctor left, Xu An'an relaxed and looked at the sleeping Jiang Li, unable to suppress a smile.

Men are at their best when they’re still.

Usually, Jiang Li liked to sweep his bangs up or part his hair neatly, but now his fringe hung loosely over his forehead, making him look like a young, innocent college boy.

It made one want to kiss him, to pinch his cheeks.

Like a puppy, or a golden retriever.

Yet recalling the ferocity with which Jiang Li fought earlier, Xu An'an shook her head—he was more like a bloodthirsty wolf cub.

“Are you insane?”

After a brief nap, Jiang Li awoke, his throat dry and his ribs aching. Opening his eyes, he saw Xu An'an shaking her head.

Xu An'an gave an awkward smile.

“You’re awake. I’ll call the doctor.”

“Get me some water first.” Jiang Li’s thirst made his voice hoarse.

“All right.”

Xu An'an poured water, but found herself at a loss for how to help Jiang Li drink, given his broken ribs and inability to sit up.

Jiang Li propped himself up slightly. “Hurry up.”

Pressed for speed, Xu An'an fumbled, spilling the entire glass onto Jiang Li’s face, his handsome features contorting.

He gritted his teeth. “Xu An'an!”

Xu An'an hurriedly grabbed tissues, wiping his face.

But his hospital gown was soaked—it needed changing.

With no help available from the nurses on duty and no attendants to be found at such a late hour, Xu An'an had to do it herself.

Jiang Li clicked his tongue in annoyance.

He was very displeased at her attempt to seek help.

“What’s the matter? It’s not your first time undressing me. Suddenly feeling shy?”

“…I just didn’t want to aggravate your injuries.”

“Enough with the nonsense.”

Xu An'an grumbled inwardly; he was much more troublesome awake.

She helped Jiang Li out of his shirt, revealing a body rippling with muscle—especially his chest, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and strong arms that radiated a sense of security.

“Do you like what you see?” Jiang Li smirked.

In truth, Xu An'an was staring at the scar across his chest.

But she didn’t ask about it.

“Tch, it’s not like I haven’t seen it before.”

After changing his clothes and helping him drink, Xu An'an intended to sleep on the sofa, but Jiang Li called out, “I need the restroom.”

“Wait, I’ll get you a bedpan.”

Jiang Li’s lips twitched violently. “No. I want to use the bathroom.”

“But you can’t get up.”

“Enough talking!”

Seeing Jiang Li’s flushed face, Xu An'an stifled a laugh and went to help him up, though her own injured foot meant she could only serve as his crutch.

A while later, voices came from the bathroom.

“Don’t move.” Jiang Li struggled to stand, gripping the railings. He ordered, “What are you waiting for? Take it out, hold it.”

Xu An'an steeled herself and complied.

Heaven knows, it was the first time she’d ever helped a man with such a task!

Jiang Li was no better off.

Though his face betrayed nothing, he felt deeply awkward inside.

Since he was five, he hadn’t needed help in the bathroom; now he had no choice but to rely on Xu An'an.

Afterwards, neither spoke.

One lay in the hospital bed, the other on the sofa.

Xu An'an faced away, questioning her actions. She should have refused—why hadn’t she? It was mortifying!

…

The party was still lively. Jiang Yu, having drunk too much, staggered to his feet, lost and confused. “Xu An'an, where are you!”

Had it not been for Jiang Yu, no one would have noticed Xu An'an’s absence.

Someone suggested finding Ning Xiyue to take care of Jiang Yu.

“Hey, Ning Xiyue’s missing too?”

“Both ladies gone at once?”

“I saw Ning Xiyue heading toward the beach earlier. She hasn’t come back—could something have happened? Let's go look for her, otherwise how will we explain to Young Master Jiang?”

So Jiang Yu’s group of rowdy friends set off to search by the sea.

They intended only a cursory effort, but unexpectedly, they stumbled upon Ning Xiyue—collapsed on the ground, her clothes disheveled.

She looked like a broken rag doll.

Her face was battered and bruised.

The hem of her white dress was stained with bright red blood.

The group exchanged glances, surmising what had happened.

“Should we call the police or an ambulance?”

“Both, just to be safe.”

By the time she was loaded into the ambulance, Ning Xiyue had regained consciousness, but the ordeal at the beach was too harrowing—she feigned unconsciousness.

Nearby, two nurses whispered, “My God, isn’t she that famous celebrity? How did she end up like this?”

“I know, so pitiful!”

“At least six men!”

Six!?

Ning Xiyue’s heart raced. She had only arranged for three men to target Xu An'an! Who did this to her, and why?

No, these scandals must never leak!

At the hospital, after having herself cleaned up, Ning Xiyue called her agent. “I was just robbed—nothing else happened.”

“All that stuff online is slander, someone’s targeting me!”

The agent eyed the hysterical Ning Xiyue with dread. “Calm down. Since you’re fine, if anyone spreads rumors, we’ll send a lawyer’s letter.”

“But why were you alone out there?”

Ning Xiyue’s gaze flickered, tears streaming down her face. “I saw Miss Xu heading toward the beach alone and was worried for her safety, so I went after her.”

“But strangely, once I got there, Miss Xu seemed to vanish into thin air.”

“She was gone!”

A cold glint flashed in the agent’s eyes. “This is definitely a conspiracy against you.”

Just then, a wheelchair-bound figure appeared in the doorway.

It was Xu An'an, her lips curled in a frosty smile. “What conspiracy? Do tell—I find it quite fascinating.”